Naming Of Carbons In Organic Molecules

Question 1

What is the first step in the scientific method of numbering carbons?

Answer 1

The carbon with the highest oxidation state is designated carbon 1.

Question 2

What if the carbon with the highest oxidation state is not an end carbon?

Answer 2

The end carbon nearest the carbon with the highest oxidation state is designated carbon 1 (i.e., the ketoses).

Question 3

How are the remaining carbons numbered after carbon 1?

Answer 3

The remaining carbons are numbered sequentially from carbon 1.

Question 4

In a fatty acid molecule, which carbon is designated carbon 1?

Answer 4

The carboxylic acid carbon is the highest oxidation state of carbon and is designated carbon 1.

Question 5

How is the last carbon in a fatty acid molecule numbered?

Answer 5

The methyl carbon at the other end is numbered sequentially, which is carbon 16 for the fatty acid drawn.